Comedy
Fall Arts Preview
With Gallery Night coming right up, it’s just the beginning of an exciting fall for arts and culture in our fair city. Read more
Mikki Gomez
Can’t we all just get along?
Nick Offerman, the comedian, carpenter, and breakout star from “Parks and Recreation” brings his special brand of optimism to the Orpheum Theater on Sept. 13 when he stops by on his “All Rise” tour. Read more
Sam Jones
The world according to Patton Oswalt
Comedy writer Josh Heath chats with Patton Oswalt on…just about everything. Oswalt brings his stand-up act to the Orpheum on July 10. Read more
Matthew Murphy
Searching for heroes
It all started when his son was bullied at school. John Leguizamo stops at Overture Hall with his Tony Award-winning “Latin History for Morons” on June 28. Read more
A bad sign
“Whoever invented the knock joke should get a no bell prize.” Paraprosdokians, puns and other turns of phrase no longer showcased at Willy Street gas station. Read more
No one does it like Frandu
Josh Heath sits down with Frandu, the comedian/poet/performance artist who has carved out a niche for himself on the Madison scene. Frandu is battling cancer, and not sure how long he has left. Read more
Nick Larson
Highly anticipated
Doug Benson, America’s highest comedian and podcaster, visits Comedy on State to record an episode of “Doug Loves Movies.” Read more
One man’s failure is this trio’s comedy gold
Josh Heath chats at length with the creators of “The Flop House” podcast. Catch them in a rare live appearance at Wisconsin Union Theater on Jan. 26. Read more
Charlie Powell
Minister of Silliness
International silly man and Monty Python co-founder John Cleese stops by Overture Hall with his “Why There Is No Hope” tour. You can ask him questions, just like Michael Muckian did. Read more
How do you solve a problem like Maria?
Maria Bamford, whose no-holds-barred comedy tackles sexism, consumerism and mental illness, talks about her pugs, her loving parents and bringing it all to the table in her stand-up act. Read more
Coming attractions
When it comes to the arts, Madison keeps upping the ante. Our arts writers help you narrow it down with their picks for the most promising events in theater, comedy, dance, visual art and classical music. Read more
Marcus Price
Keeping it real
Hannibal Buress, whose star is rising in Hollywood, takes a step back to focus on his first love: stand-up. Isthmus talks to Buress about making TV specials and being himself on stage. Read more
Anneliese Nappa
Aunty Donna: Big Boys, bigger personalities
This interview with Australian absurdist comedians Aunty Donny goes way off the rails. Why didn’t we see that one coming? Read more
The Onion’s Madison roots are showing
The Onion left Madison almost two decades ago. But a retrospective of the company shows it owes a lot to its Madison years. Read more
Cara Howe / Netflix
Who’s afraid of Michelle Wolf?
Her brilliant savagery at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner put Michelle Wolf into the spotlight. Her new Netflix show is going to keep her there. Read more
Funny stuff
Local and national comedians get to strut their stuff at the inaugural Madison Comedy Week, May 27-June 3 at 22 different Madison venues. Read more
Relatable anti-racist
Hari Kondabolu brings a personal approach to hot-button issues like race and colonialism. He’s at the Comedy Club on State April 19-21. Read more
David E. Jackson
Holy cow, it’s Charlie!
Charlie Berens’ podcast “Da Manitowoc Minute” is attracting loads of fans from around the world. Isthmus talks to Berens in advance of his appearance at Wisconsin Union Theater on Jan. 26. Read more
Joan Marcus
Finding hope and solace through art
Isthmus arts and culture editor Catherine Capellaro looks back at a year where she found hope and faith in humanity through art. Read more
Mindy Tucker
Broad + Dope = Yaaas
One got her start as a web series star on YouTube. The other launched her career from blogging and podcasts. Now these two dope queens are touring the country together, celebrating female friendship and making people laugh. Read more
